Kevin Fischer is a veteran broadcaster, the recipient of over 150 major journalism awards from the Milwaukee Press Club, the Wisconsin Associated Press, the Northwest Broadcast News Association, the Wisconsin Bar Association, and others. He has been seen and heard on Milwaukee TV and radio stations for over three decades. A longtime aide to state Senate Republicans in the Wisconsin Legislature, Kevin can be seen offering his views on the news on the public affairs program, "InterCHANGE," on Milwaukee Public Television Channel 10, and heard filling in on Newstalk 1130 WISN. He lives with his wife, Jennifer, and their lovely young daughter, Kyla Audrey, in Franklin.

The better selection in one of Franklin’s aldermanic races Tuesday in my view is crystal clear. Just examine comments made by the candidates to FranklinNOW.

In Franklin’s District 1, the candidates to replace retiring Steve Olson are Mark Dandrea and Greg Kowalski. Both shared their views with FranklinNOW. Let’s begin with Dandrea, the vice president of Tri City National Bank, the candidate I believe to be the far superior choice.

"I will use my experience as a business executive to develop a marketing plan that I think the city needs to attract new business to expand the tax base.”

Olson has endorsed Dandrea.

"Mark Dandrea has the professional experience as a bank officer to control spending, understand the budget, attract business to the community and assist in the financial management of your tax dollars," Olson said.

FranklinNOW also reports:

The candidates differ when it comes to their stances on consolidating fire services with Greendale, Greenfield, Hales Corners and Oak Creek. A report conducted last year by the Public Policy Forum stated that the communities could save millions of dollars over the next five years if they shared services.

Kowalski believes consolidation isn't necessary now. "Public safety will not be cut under my watch," he said. "I think that just starts a whole new trend of consolidation and we start seeing Franklin tax dollars helping neighboring communities and not our own."

But Dandrea said the city has an obligation to look at any and all opportunities to cut costs. "I would look at combined services," he said. "I think everything should be looked at very seriously because we are responsible for how we spend the tax revenue."

As I stated, it’s crystal clear.

Dandrea has fiscal and business experience and will bring the same common sense approach to the Council as Steve Olson. His opponent is a big-time tax and spend liberal, out of touch with the vast majority of Franklin citizens.

As for District 2, I’m not all that familiar with the candidates, but I’d like to focus on some of their quotes from FranklinNOW.

Curt Bolton said, "You can cut cost to the point where you don't have something of value. I'm not going to say taxes should never be raised. We're going to have to do what's best for the community. But there are other ways the community can raise revenue."

That, to me, raises red flags.

Daniel Mayer is the other candidate. Mayer says, “I am running to provide a ‘voice with a vision for our future based on values of our past.’ I want to ensure that decisions impacting the future of Franklin are made intelligently, with a balance between cost, benefit, service requirements and sustainable tax revenue/relief, while still maintaining the quality of life we share in Franklin.”

Mayer adds, “I will promote efforts that make Franklin a desirable place, without sacrificing the quality of life that brought us or keeps us here. That quality comes from a delicate balance between open spaces and parks, residential areas, the development of commercial and business sectors, the quality of our public services and meeting the needs of our citizens.”

Too many safe, glittering generalities and not enough specifics. Maybe he’s been more specific at the doors or in campaign literature. I don’t know. Because neither candidate jumps out at me, that’s problematic. If anyone has solid info about which id the more fiscally conservative, please let us know.

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